The older adult who is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus has a sensory impairment and unstable blood sugar levels. Which of the following alterations in sensory function does the nurse address in the plan of care for stabilizing the blood sugar?
Awakens with periodic left-foot numbness
Enjoys spicy food more than bland food
Has difficulty hearing conversations in crowded rooms
Requires reading glasses at 2.0 strength
None of the above
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Awakens with periodic left-foot numbness is an alteration in sensory function that the nurse should address in the plan of care for stabilizing the blood sugar, as it may indicate peripheral neuropathy, which is a common complication of diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy is a nerve damage that affects the feet and legs, causing numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness. Peripheral neuropathy can increase the risk of foot ulcers, infections, and amputations. The nurse should educate the older adult about the importance of regular foot care, blood sugar control, and medication adherence.
Choice B reason: Enjoys spicy food more than bland food is not an alteration in sensory function that the nurse should address in the plan of care for stabilizing the blood sugar, as it is a personal preference that does not affect the blood glucose levels. However, the nurse should advise the older adult to limit the intake of salt, fat, and sugar, and to follow a balanced and nutritious diet that meets their needs and preferences.
Choice C reason: Has difficulty hearing conversations in crowded rooms is not an alteration in sensory function that the nurse should address in the plan of care for stabilizing the blood sugar, as it is a common age-related change that does not affect the blood glucose levels. However, the nurse should assess the older adult's hearing ability and provide appropriate aids and strategies to enhance their communication and socialization.
Choice D reason: Requires reading glasses at 2.0 strength is not an alteration in sensory function that the nurse should address in the plan of care for stabilizing the blood sugar, as it is a common age-related change that does not affect the blood glucose levels. However, the nurse should assess the older adult's vision and provide appropriate aids and strategies to improve their safety and quality of life.
Choice E reason: None of the above is not the correct answer, as there is one choice that is an alteration in sensory function that the nurse should address in the plan of care for stabilizing the blood sugar.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Low back pain is a common condition that affects many older adults, as it can be caused by degenerative changes in the spine, disc herniation, spinal stenosis, osteoporosis, or muscle strain. Low back pain can be chronic, meaning it lasts for more than three months, and can interfere with daily activities and quality of life.
Choice B reason: Hypoproteinemia is a condition where the level of protein in the blood is abnormally low, which can be caused by malnutrition, liver disease, kidney disease, or inflammation. Hypoproteinemia can cause symptoms such as edema, fatigue, weakness, or hair loss, but it does not usually cause chronic pain.
Choice C reason: Headaches are a common symptom that can affect people of any age, but they are not necessarily chronic or related to aging. Headaches can be caused by various factors, such as stress, dehydration, sinus infection, migraine, or medication. Headaches can be acute, meaning they last for a short time, or chronic, meaning they occur for more than 15 days a month.
Choice D reason: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects many older adults, as it causes the cartilage that cushions the joints to wear away, resulting in pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, but it is more common in the knees, hips, hands, and spine. Osteoarthritis can be chronic, meaning it worsens over time, and can limit the ability to perform daily tasks and enjoy life.
Choice E reason: Hip replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces a damaged or diseased hip joint with an artificial one, which can improve pain, function, and quality of life. However, hip replacement can also cause chronic pain, either due to complications, such as infection, dislocation, or loosening of the implant, or due to persistent inflammation, nerve damage, or scar tissue.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Older adult’s self-report is not the most helpful tool, as it may not be reliable or consistent in older adults, especially if they have cognitive impairment, communication difficulties, or cultural barriers. Older adults may also underreport or overreport their pain due to fear, stoicism, or expectations.
Choice B reason: FPS-R (Faces Pain Scale-Revised) is not the most helpful tool, as it may not be suitable or valid for older adults, especially if they have visual impairment, facial paralysis, or dementia. FPS-R is a pictorial scale that uses six facial expressions to represent different levels of pain intensity, from 0 (no pain) to 10 (very much pain).
Choice C reason: Pain medication frequency is not the most helpful tool, as it may not reflect the actual pain level or the effectiveness of the pharmacotherapy. Pain medication frequency may vary depending on the type, dose, route, and duration of the medication, as well as the individual response and tolerance of the older adult.
Choice D reason: Older adult's pain diary is the most helpful tool, as it can provide a comprehensive and longitudinal record of the pain experience, including the location, intensity, quality, frequency, duration, triggers, relievers, and impact of the pain. A pain diary can also help track the use and response of the comfort measures, activity, and pharmacotherapy, and identify the patterns and trends of the pain.
Choice E reason: None of the above is not the correct answer, as there is one choice that is the most helpful tool for the nurse to use.
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